Hey guys, I'm back with a new chapter. I hope you all had a lovely Christmas (btw, did you read my festive story?). Now it's time to go on with this one, I might have included a tiny bit of angst. I hope you'll like it.

Anyway, thanks again for the support.

Disclaimer: no, I don't own Marvel. I wish.

When the conference call is finally over, Tony decides to check if Peter has survived the trip with his grumpy driver. Sure, he would know by now if something had happened, but there's no harm in asking the kid. Plus, Tony feels bad that he couldn't drive him himself. He should have done that. This is Peter's first day back at school since he moved into the Tower. As a responsible parent, Tony should have been the one giving him a ride. Wait, what? Parent? Sounds so strange. But isn't that what he's supposed to be now? No matter how weird it sounds. Tony Stark is a parent. Huh. Who would have thought that?

He could text Happy, too but he's not that worried about him. He's been with Tony long enough and nothing surprises him anymore. Happy has often teased him that Tony's playboy years will come back to haunt him and one day he's gonna find a kid on his doorstep. Or an angry single mother demanding child support.

And Tony has a feeling that people will think the same when they meet Peter. They'll think that he's Tony's son from an old affair. Whatever. Tony has never really minded what people think. Most of them have never had a good opinion on him anyway. He just hopes no one will tease Peter.

On second thought, why would they? Anyone can see Peter is not his child. This quiet, nice kid with impeccable manners? Come on, there's absolutely no resemblance between them.

He quickly types a short text to Peter before remembering that the kid might get into trouble for texting back in class. But Peter does reply. "I'm okay. Happy didn't say anything. Just stared at me in the rearview mirror. Was a bit creepy :)"

It's already afternoon when Tony makes himself call Pepper. In the last few hours, he has managed to come up with dozens of excuses. He has the conference call. Pepper has a meeting. The reception in Asia must be pretty bad. Pepper's in a different time zone, she must be asleep. Now she's on a plane. Tony has some documents to read first. He has to check out something with one of his suits. With Peter's suit.

He really doesn't want to talk to Pepper. Once again, she would tell him that taking in a kid is over the top. There would have been other ways to help Peter. He should have called her first, should have asked her opinion. Taking care of a kid is a big deal. And Tony couldn't even keep a plant alive. It's more than just letting him sleep in the guest room and feeding him a few times a day. Just like Happy, Pepper is used to cleaning up Tony's mess and she never hesitates to call him out on his shit.

But he promised to call her and he definitely needs her help, so breaking his promise wouldn't be a good idea.

"Wow, Tony, you ran out of reasons why not to call me?" Pepper says answering the phone.

"You know me too well, Potts," he shrugs. "That's why I don't understand why you needed a break," he adds sourly.

"Maybe that's exactly the reason, have you ever thought of that?" she snaps back, but he can hear a smile in her voice. It's just their usual banter. Maybe Pepper was right when she suggested friendship instead of a relationship. Maybe it's really better this way. "How's Peter?" she asks.

"Surprisingly good. I mean he's alive; I gave him breakfast and asked Happy to drive him to school."

"That's great. I mean the fact that he's still breathing. But seriously, Tony, how is he? Mentally?"

"Well, he hasn't run away yet, I guess that's a good sign," he jokes.

"Why are you saying that?" she asks, not laughing.

"Pepper, in the last few days you've pointed out several times that it would be better for Peter if he didn't stay with me."

"That's not what I said," she protests.

"Well, maybe those weren't the exact words but-"

"I'm just worried, Tony. About both of you. I'm worried because if this doesn't work out, that could hurt you both."

"And you think there's a high chance that it won't work out."

Pepper sighs. "There's a chance, yes. I mean Peter might be a nice kid and I'm sure he is, but he's been through a lot. Plus, he's a superhero. You can't say he's an average kid. And you? You're Tony Stark. No one could be further from average," she laughs.

Tony smiles. "You're right, Pep. About both of us. But maybe that's exactly why this will work out in the end, you know?"

There's a long silence on the other end of the line before Pepper finally answers. "You know what, Tony? You might be right. You both have your own issues. But maybe that's why you could be great together."

"Yeah, Pep, I hate to say I told you so… no, scratch that, I love saying that," he grins. "And I told you I just couldn't let CPS send Peter to a random foster family. Yes, he's been through a lot and I'm sure there are plenty of people who are much better at dealing with kids with tons of emotional baggage. But he's also a superhero and he needs someone who helps him with that side of his life, too."

Pepper smiles. "That's not what I meant, though. I mean yes, the superhero stuff certainly narrows down the possibilities for Peter. But you said Peter had emotional baggage? Hate to break it to you, Tony, you have that, too. And that's why you could be a good fit. You might actually help each other."

"Don't do that, Pep," Tony groans.

"Do what?"

"Don't set such high expectations. I thought if I could keep Peter alive until he's 18 that would be enough. Now I am supposed to help him work his way through his issues, too?" Tony expresses mock shock.

Pepper laughs. "You'll be fine, Tony. "

"Thanks, Pep."

"And Tony?"

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about earlier. I mean when I implied that you couldn't do this. Because you can. I'm sure about it. You did the right thing."

"Thank you."

"I was just shocked, you know? Because it's big. It's really big," she explains.

"Yeah, that's why I'm freaked out all the time, Pep," the man laughs nervously.

"That means you care, Tony. But you can do this. You're a good man and you've got this. And you've got help, don't forget that. You can call me anytime. And not just when you need help with legal issues or the press, alright?"

Tony lets out a big breath. "Thank you, Pepper. I appreciate it. I really do."

Suddenly, Friday's voice interrupts their conversation. "Sorry, boss, you have an incoming call from Happy Hogan."

Tony frowns. Why is Happy calling him? He can't pick up the kid for some reason? Has something happened to Peter?

"Listen, Pepper, I'm sorry but I gotta take this," he says on the verge of panic.

"Sure, Tony, call me later," she answers and hangs up.

The man glances at the clock. Happy was supposed to meet Peter about twenty minutes ago.

"Hey, Hap, is everything alright?" he asks his driver, answering his call. He desperately tries to remain calm. No need to freak out. No one died. Hopefully.

"Tony, we've got a problem," Happy replies uneasily.

And there goes his calmness.

"Elaborate," Tony snaps.

"I was waiting for the kid at the same spot where I had dropped him off this morning. He was late. And then another kid showed up, his name was Ned or Ted or something. He told Peter wouldn't come because he wanted to be alone for a while. And he gave me Peter's backpack. What should I do, boss?"

What just happened? Is Peter gone? For good? Why? Did Tony do or say something wrong? Has he already screwed up just like he thought he would?

But more importantly, where's the kid now? Is he safe? Is he in danger?

Tony can't breathe. His hands are shaking. He feels nauseous. A panic attack. He knows all the symptoms, there's nothing new about them. Not the first time in his life and probably not the last one, either. Panic attacks have been a part of his life since forever. But now? He so doesn't have time for this! He can't allow it. He can't just break down and wait until the attack passes, because he has a kid to find.

So he closes his eyes, takes a few deep breaths and visualizes Peter in his mind. He uses this image as an anchor to get him through the panic attack. He reminds himself that Peter needs him now. Okay, just one more deep breath. He's getting there.

"Tony?"

Right, Happy's still there waiting for an answer. He sighs and runs his hands through his hair. Happy can't do anything. It's not that Peter would just walk up to his car later and how could Happy find the kid? So he tells the driver to return to the Tower.

Then he orders Friday to track down Peter's suit and phone. He has a feeling it won't help though and he's right. Both items are in Peter's backpack, that's why Ned gave it to Happy. Ned. He needs to call that kid. Of course.

"Ned?" he asks anxiously, pacing up and down in the living room.

"Mr-Mr. Stark?" the kid answers in shock, even though he must have expected the call. But Ned was in such awe when they met at the Tower, so it might have freaked him out that Tony actually called him.

"I guess you know why I called you, kid," he says impatiently.

"I-I… yes, of course, Mr. Stark. But… I don't know where Peter is. I swear."

Tony believes him. That kid seems simply unable to lie. It's not surprising that he's Peter's best friend.

"Did he say anything? Did something happen at school?" he inquires.

"No, nothing, sir. Peter looked fine all day. I mean he seemed happy to be back at school, we talked all day, I invited him over to watch Star Wars and he said yes. Everything was fine... He said your driver would pick him up after school? Happy? Is that a real name or made up? S-sorry, sir, I know that doesn't matter now. Anyway, we walked together to the car until… suddenly, he stopped, said he needed some time alone, gave me his backpack and asked me to give it to Happy. That's it, Mr. Stark, I swear."

"He ran away?"

"Ye-yeah. He didn't use webs if that's what you mean. He ran. Like a normal person. Can-can you track him down, Mr. Stark?"

"No, his suit and phone are in his backpack," Tony replies tiredly.

"Oh. I see. That-that makes sense. I mean I tried to call him a bunch of times, but it went straight to voicemail."

"Do you have any idea where he could be now, Ned?" the man probes. Please, please give me something!

"No, sir, I'm sorry. I mean… there was this time in Peter's life… you know, when he… when he lived on the streets… I-I didn't know anything about that. And he doesn't really talk about it. I mean… What I mean is that maybe he has many more secrets. He's my best friend, Mr. Stark. But I'm afraid I-I don't know him that much anymore."

Tony sighs. There's no anger in Ned's voice, just sadness. He definitely wants to help his friend but he doesn't know if he can. But it's okay. Because Peter is Tony's responsibility. It's his job to find the kid and bring him home.

"Alright, Ned. Thanks anyway."

"Mr. Stark? Please find Peter. I'm really worried about him," Ned says quietly.

"Yeah, that makes two of us. But I'm gonna find him, kid, don't worry," he promises.

And he knows that's exactly what's going to happen. There's no other option. He will find Peter.

Thank you for reading!